Swatch Group Full-Year Net Up 26%

PARIS — Swatch Group said net profits jumped 26 percent in 2012, beating market expectations, and it expects another year of healthy growth after a positive start to 2013.

The world’s largest watchmaker — parent of brands including Omega, Breguet, Blancpain and Swatch — posted net income of 1.61 billion Swiss francs, or $1.72 billion, in 2012 versus 1.28 billion Swiss francs, or $1.44 billion, the previous year. All dollar rates are calculated at average exchange rates for the period concerned.